Horizontal rod or tube rail infill system

ABSTRACT

A rail infill system and related method of use includes an elongate baluster, a fitting, a baluster, and a fitting closer. The fitting includes a threaded end and is configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a support member with at least one fastener. The baluster attachment is mounted to an exterior surface of the baluster. The fitting closer is configured to threadably engage the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed there between to provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting. The baluster extends through the fitting closer.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to rail infill systems, and more particularly relates to anchoring devices, connection features, and the like for use with rail infill system. The rail infill systems may include one or more balusters arranged in any desired orientation, such as horizontally, vertically, or at some angle between horizontal and vertical, and may be used with any desired support member such as a post, column, wall, floor plate, railing, or the like.

BACKGROUND

A number of connecting devices are available for securing a free end of an elongate member such as a cable or rod/tube to a support structure such as a wall, post, rail, or the like. In one example, a connecting device is formed as a lag screw and is configured to be threaded into the support structure and act as an anchor for attachment of the elongate member to the support structure. In another example, the connecting device wraps around the support structure (e.g., post or rail) to provide connection of the elongate member to the support structure. In a further example, the connecting device extends completely through the support structure and is anchored on an opposite or back side of the support structure.

These known solutions for securing an elongate member to a support structure in an infill system have disadvantages depending on, for example, the shape, size and materials of the support structure and the load requirements for the elongate member. Some support structures are so large in size that it is impractical to wrap a connecting device and/or the elongate member around the support structure. Other support structures have a thickness or material composition that does not permit boring completely through the support structure or extending the connecting device through the support structure.

Opportunities exist for improvements in connecting devices used to secure an elongate member such as a tube or rod to a support structure.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a rail infill system that includes an elongate baluster, a fitting, a baluster, and a fitting closer. The fitting includes a threaded end and is configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a support member with at least one fastener. The baluster attachment is mounted to an exterior surface of the baluster. The fitting closer is configured to threadably engage the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed there between to provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting. The baluster extends through the fitting closer.

The baluster attachment may include a compression collar or crimp ring. The crimp ring may be fixed to the baluster independent on connection of the fitting closer to the fitting. The compression collar may be fixed to the baluster upon tightening the fitting closer relative to the fitting. The compression collar may be split along its length. The compression collar may include a tapered portion. The fitting closer may have an internal tapered surface that is arranged at a reverse taper relative to the tapered portion of the compression collar. The rail infill system may further include a protection member that provides an interface between the fitting and the support member. The protection member may include a polymer material. The elongate baluster may be a hollow tube or solid rod. The fitting has an angled construction to orient the baluster at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the exterior surface of the support member. The baluster may have a circular cross-sectional shape. The baluster attachment may be mechanically connected at or adjacent to a free end of the baluster.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a rail infill system that includes a fitting having a threaded end and a mounting end, the mounting end configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a support member with at least one fastener, a baluster attachment configured to be mounted to an exterior surface of a baluster, and a fitting closer configured to threadably engage the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed there between. A connection of the fitting closer to the fitting is configured to secure the baluster to the fitting.

The fitting closer may include a pass-through bore, and the baluster may be configured to extend through the pass-through bore. The rail infill system may further include a protection member positioned at the mounting end of the fitting to provide an interface between the fitting and the support member. The threaded end may be arranged at an angle relative to the mounting end. The threaded end may be arranged coaxially with the mounting end.

A further aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of connecting a baluster to a support structure. The method includes providing a fitting, a baluster attachment, and a fitting closer, the fitting having a threaded end, connecting the fitting to an exterior surface of the support structure with at least one fastener, positioning the baluster attachment on an exterior surface of the baluster, and threadably connecting the fitting closer to the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed between the fitting closer and the fitting to provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting.

Positioning the baluster attachment on the baluster may include crimping the baluster attachment to the baluster. The baluster attachment may include a compression collar, and threadably connecting the fitting closer to the fitting may compress the compression collar onto the baluster. The baluster attachment may be a crimp ring that is fixed to the baluster, and connecting the fitting closer to the fitting may apply an axial force to the baluster.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Features which are believed to be characteristic of the concepts disclosed herein, both as to their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example rail infill system in accordance with the present disclosure

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example rail infill system in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rail infill system shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing steps of an example method in accordance with the present disclosure.

While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is generally directed to rail infill systems, devices, and methods. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to systems, devices, and methods used to secure a baluster such as a rod, tube or cable to a support structure such as a post, wall, rail, flooring, or the like as part of a rail infill system. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a rail infill system that provides a secure connection of a baluster to the support structure without having to access the inside of the support structure. Aspects of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of infill systems that include balusters such as rods, tubes or cable, wherein the balusters have any desired cross-sectional shape or size. The fittings and connection features disclosed herein may be positioned at various locations on a support structure, may be used with horizontal, vertical, or angled balusters, and may be used with various types of balusters (e.g., tubes, rods, cables, and the like), or different materials, shapes and sizes for components of the infill system and/or balusters.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, an example rail infill system 100 is shown and described. The rail infill system 100 includes a fitting 110, a baluster attachment 112, a fitting closer 114, a protection member 116, a baluster 118, and a support 120. In at least some examples, the rail infill system 100 excludes the support 120. Generally, the rail infill system includes a fitting assembly that is used to connect one or more balusters 118 to one or more supports 120. The fitting assembly may provide for an arrangement of the baluster perpendicular to an attachment surface 190 of the support 120, and the support 120 may have any desired orientation (e.g., vertical or horizontal). Alternatively, the fitting assembly may provide for in a non-perpendicular arrangement of the baluster 118 relative to the attachment surface of the support 120. The support may be a post, building structure (e.g., wall of a building), mounting plate, or the like. The baluster 118 may include any of a variety of elongate baluster such as, for example, a rod, tube, cable, wire, rope, or the like. Although the term “baluster” is used extensively herein, that term is not intended to be limiting and is merely representative of a variety of elongate structures that could be anchored or otherwise connected to one or more supports using the inventive devices and methods disclosed herein. Generally, the baluster has a free end that is connected to the support with one or more fittings or connection features.

Furthermore, the rail infill system 100 may provide for attachment of a baluster to an exterior surface of a support without having to have access to an interior of the support. That is, the connector features may be secured to the support along an exterior surface 190 of the support using any of a variety of attachment features including, for example, fasteners, adhesives, welding, or the like. In at least some arrangements, one or more fasteners extend completely through the support from one surface to an opposite side surface. In another embodiments, the one or more fasteners extend into an interior of the support and a connecting feature (e.g., a nut or connecting plate) is secured to the fastener on the interior side of the support. One of the advantages of at least some embodiments disclosed herein is the ability to mount the fitting assembly and baluster to the support without having to access the interior of the support or an opposite side of the support from where the baluster is positioned. Although a single fastener is shown in many of the embodiments, two or more fasteners or other connector features may be used for attachment of a single baluster to a support.

The fitting 110 may have various embodiments. For example, the fitting 110 may have a relatively straight, linear construction as shown as fitting 110-a in FIG. 1. An alternative embodiment of the fitting 110 is shown as fitting 110-b in FIG. 1 having an angled orientation, wherein the angled portion of the fitting 110-b provides the baluster 118 at a non-perpendicular angle relative to a mounting surface 190 of the support 120.

The fitting 110 may include a mounting end 130 and a threaded end 132. The mounting ends includes a fastener bore 134 and a fastener seat 136, as shown in FIG. 3. The threaded end 132 includes a bore 138 that may be sized to receive a free end of the baluster 118, and a plurality of threads 140. A threads 140 may be positioned along an exterior surface of the fitting 110, thereby providing a set of male threads.

The threaded end 132 may be arranged coaxially with the mounting end 130 as shown in the fitting 110-a in FIGS. 1-5. Alternatively, the threaded end 132 may be arranged at an angle θ relative to the mounting end 130 for the fitting 110-b as shown in, for example, FIGS. 3 and 5. The angle θ may be in the range of about 5° to about 60°, and more particularly in the range of about 30° to about 45°. The angle θ matches an angle of decent for a set of stairs, a ramp, or other inclined structure where the rail infill system 100 is used. The angled fitting 110-b may be angled relative to a direction perpendicular to the mounting surface 190 as show in FIGS. 1-6 (e.g., a vertically upward direction), or may have a rotated position relative to what is shown in FIGS. 1-6 (e.g., a vertically downward direction).

The baluster attachment 112 may have a variety of different constructions. One construction for the baluster attachment 112 is a crimp ring as shown in at least FIGS. 2 and 3. The baluster attachment 112 has an end surface 144. The baluster attachment 112 may be mounted to the baluster 118 at or adjacent to a free end 180 of the baluster 118. The baluster attachment 112 may be mechanically attached to the baluster 118. Once secured to the baluster 118, the baluster attachment 112 may maintain a fixed position a predetermined location along the length of the baluster 118. The baluster attachment 112 may be fixed to the baluster 118 using a crimping device that provides a crimping force that compresses the baluster attachment 112 onto the baluster 118.

FIG. 3 shows the baluster 118 with baluster attachment 112 positioned adjacent to the fitting 110. In at least some arrangements, the free end 180 of the baluster 118 and baluster attachment 112 are positioned at the threaded end 132 of the fitting 110, but not extending into the fitting 110. Other arrangements are possible in which at least a portion of the baluster 118 extends into the fitting 110. Typically, the baluster attachment 112 remains outside of the fitting 110, although some arrangements may permit at least a portion of the baluster attachment 112 to extend into an interior of the fitting 110.

The fitting closer 114 includes an inner bore 150, a collar 156, internal threads 158, and one or more flats 160 provided on an exterior surface thereof. The inner bore 150 is sized for the baluster 118 to extend there through. The inner bore 150 may also be sized to permit the fitting closer 114 to extend over the baluster attachment 112 and engage with threaded end 132 of the fitting 110. The threads 158 may be configured as female threads and be sized and arranged to threadably engage with the threads 140 of the fitting 110. A rotational force may be applied to the fitting closer 114, such as via the flats 160.

The collar 156 may provide a structure that contacts the end surface 144 of the baluster attachment 112. Threadably connecting the fitting closer 114 and fitting 110 may result in application of an axial force to the baluster 118 via the baluster attachment 112.

FIG. 3 shows the rail infill system 100 fully assembled. The upper assembly shown in FIG. 3 includes a fitting 110-b mounted to the support 120 with a fastener 108. The fastener 108 may be, for example, a screw such as a machine or metal screw. A head of the fastener 108 contacts the fastener seat 136. The protection member 116 is positioned between the fitting 110-b and the outer surface 190 of the support 120. The protection member 116 may include a seat 170 and a fastener bore 172 as shown in FIG. 2. The fastener 108 may extend through the fastener bore 172, and the fitting 110-b may rest within the seat 170.

The threaded end 132 of the fitting 110-b is arranged at angle θ relative to the mounting end 130. The fitting closer 114 is threadably connected to the fitting 110-b with the baluster attachment 112 interposed therebetween. Applying a rotation forced to the fitting closer 114 moves the fitting closer 114 axially towards the fitting 110-b thereby engaging the collar 156 against the end surface 144 of the baluster attachment 112. The application of this axial force may apply tension in the baluster 118. The application of this axial force may move the baluster 118 axially towards the support 120. In at least some examples, the free end 180 of the baluster 118 may move into the interior of the fitting 110-b (e.g., within the bore 138).

FIG. 3 also shows the fastener 108 extending through a bore 192 that is formed in the outer surface 190 of the support 120. The fastener 108 may extend into an interior 194 of the support 120. The fastener 108 may provide a threaded attachment to the support 120 within the bore 192. Alternatively, the bore 192 may be a passthrough bore and the fastener 108 may be connected to a support structure on an opposite side of the outer surface 190. The support structure may include, for example, a nut, fastener plate, or the like. The support structure may be prepositioned within the interior 194, such as being pre-mounted to an interior surface of the support 120 adjacent to the bore 192.

FIG. 3 shows the fitting 110-a mounted to the support 120 and arranged to mount the baluster 118 at a perpendicular orientation relative to the outer surface 190. The fitting 110-a is secured to the support 120 with a fastener 108, which extends through the fastener bore 134 of the fitting 110-a, the fastener bore 172 of the protection member 116, and the bore 192 and the support 120. The head of the fastener 108 rests against the fastener seat 136 of the fitting 110-a. The fitting closer 114 is mounted to the baluster 118 with the baluster attachment 112 positioned within an interior of the fitting closer 114. The fitting closer 114 is threadably connected to the threaded end 132 of the fitting 110-a to provide a positive connection between the baluster 118 and the fitting 110-a, which is connected to the support 120. Rotating the fitting closer 114 relative to the fitting 110-a causes contact between the collar 156 and surface 144 of the baluster attachment 112. This contact applies an axial force to the baluster 118 via the baluster attachment 112. This axial force may apply tension to the baluster 118 in an axial direction of the baluster 118. This axial force may also move the free end 180 of the baluster 118 closer to or even into the bore 138 of the fitting 110-a.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show portions of the rail infill system 100 without the fitting closer 114 and baluster 118. The fittings 110-a and 110-b are secured to the support 120 with the protection member 116 positioned there between. The protection member 116 may provide an interface between the fitting 110 and the support 120 such as an interface that reduces friction, and/or protects against corrosion or other damage to the support 120 and/or the fitting 110. In at least some examples, the protection member 116 comprises a polymer material (e.g., nylon), rubber material, or metal or metal alloy material. In some arrangements, the fitting assembly does not include a protection member 116 as an interface between the fitting 110 and the support 120.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate another example rail infill system 200. The rail infill system 200 includes a fitting 210, baluster attachment 212, fitting closer 214, protection member 216, baluster 218, and a support 220. In some examples, the rail infill system 200 does not include the support 220. The fitting 210, protection member 216, baluster 218, and support 220 may be substantially the same as or similar to those features shown as part of the rail infill system 100 above. One or more of the baluster attachment 212 and fitting closer 214 may have different configurations that similar components described with reference to rail infill system 100.

The baluster attachment 212 includes or is configured as a compression collar rather than the baluster attachment 112 described above. The baluster attachment 212 may include an end surface 244, a tapered exterior surface 246, and a split or gap 248 that extends along a length of the baluster attachment 112. Typically, the baluster attachment 212 is positioned at or adjacent to a free end 280 of the baluster 218, as shown in FIG. 7. The baluster attachment 212 may slidable along the length of the baluster 218 until a compression force is applied to the baluster attachment 212. The compression force may result from connecting the fitting closer 214 to the fitting 210 when the baluster attachment 212 is interposed there between.

The fitting closer 214 may include an inner bore 250, a collar 256, internal threads 258, an internal tapered surface 262, and one or more flats 260. The collar 256 may be sized to permit the baluster 218 to extend through the fitting closer 214. The collar 256 may engage against the end surface 244 of the baluster attachment 212. The threads 258 may be arranged internally as female threads and configured to threadably engage with the male threads 240 of the fitting 210. The fitting 210 includes a threaded end 232 having a bore 238. An opposite mounting end 230 of the fitting 210 includes a fastener bore 234 and a fastener seat 236.

The tapered surface 262 of the fitting closer 214 has a reversed tapered shape relative to the tapered surface 246 of the baluster attachment 212. Consequently, as the fitting closer 214 is threadably connected to the threads 240 of the fitting 110, the tapered surface 262 applies a radially inward force onto the tapered surface 246. This radially inward force compresses the baluster attachment 212 onto the exterior surface of the baluster 218. This radially inward force effectively applies a clamping effect on the baluster attachment 212 that provides a connection between the baluster 218, the baluster attachment 212, the fitting closer 214, the fitting 210. Since the fitting 210 is connected to the support 220 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), the mechanical attachment of the baluster attachment 212 to the baluster 218 when the fitting closer 214 is threadably connected to the fitting 210, provides a connection between the baluster 218 and the support 220.

FIG. 8 shows the tapered surfaces 246 and 262 interfacing with each other for the embodiments including fitting 210-a at the bottom of the figure and 210-b at the top of the figure. The embodiment of the fitting 210-a in the middle of FIG. 8 shows the tapered surface 246 along an exterior of the baluster attachment 212. In at least some embodiments, the baluster attachment 212 may extend into an interior of the fitting 210, such as within the bore 238 as shown in the bottom two arrangements for the fitting 210-a in FIG. 8. In other embodiments, the entire baluster attachment 212 is positioned outside of the fitting, such as the fitting 210-b arrangement at the top of FIG. 8. The fitting closer 214 may have various sizes, shapes, and lengths to accommodate different sizes, shapes, and arrangements for the baluster attachment 212 (e.g., a baluster attachment member that is positioned entirely outside of the fitting 210, or a baluster attachment member that is partially positioned within the fitting 210).

The tapered surface 246 may extend along an entire length of the baluster attachment 212. Alternatively, the tapered surface 246 extends along only a portion of the length of the baluster attachment 212, with remaining portions of the length having a constant diameter (e.g., see FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the split 248 may extend along an entire length of the baluster attachment 212, while in other embodiments the split 248 extends along only a portion of the length. The split 248 may have a linear shape or a contoured (e.g., nonlinear) shape.

Other types of baluster attachments may be used to secure the baluster to the support. The baluster attachments may be permanently or removably mounted to the baluster (e.g., using a mechanical connection). The baluster attachment 112 may be referred to as a permanent attachment due to being crimped onto the exterior surface of the baluster. The baluster attachment 212 may be considered a releasable or nonpermanent attachment that permits disassembly of the rail infill system for mounting of the baluster attachments to different balusters or at different locations along the length of the baluster.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an example method 300 of assembling a rail infill system is shown as a flow diagram. The method may be one example of implementing one or more of the infill systems 100, 200 described above. The method 300 may involve any of the various components described herein.

The method 300 may include, at block 302, the step of providing a fitting, a baluster attachment, and a fitting closer. The fitting may have a threaded end. At block 304, the method 300 includes connecting the fitting to an exterior surface of the support member with a fastener or other connecting feature. At block 306, the method includes positioning the baluster attachment on an exterior surface of the baluster (e.g., at or adjacent to a free end of the baluster). The positioning may include, for example, crimping or otherwise permanently connecting the baluster attachment to the baluster with a mechanical connection. Alternatively, the positioning may include a non-permanent (e.g., releasable) mechanical connection. At block 308, the method 300 includes threadably connecting the fitting closer to the threaded end of the fitting with a baluster attachment interposed between the fitting closer and the fitting. This threadable connection may also provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting. Since the fitting is connected to a support with a fastener or other connection feature, the threadable connection between the fitting closer and the fitting provides connection of the baluster to the support.

The baluster attachment may be a compression collar, and threadably connecting the fitting closer to the fitting compresses the compression collar onto the baluster. The baluster attachment may be a crimp ring that is fixed to the baluster and connecting the fitting closer to the fitting may apply an axial force to the rail. This axial force may provide tension in the baluster and/or it may move the baluster in an axial direction relative to one or more of the fitting components.

There may be a variety of advantages associated with the various rail infill systems, components, and related methods of use, as described herein. Such advantages may include, for example:

-   -   Different fastener types can be used to secure the device to a         variety of different support structures and/or support structure         materials. The fastener can be exchanged without having to make         other changes to the rail infill system.     -   The infill systems permit attachment to a support structure         without having to access an interior or opposite side of the         support structure.     -   The fasteners used to secure the infill system to a support         structure may be hidden from sight, at least partially hidden         from sight, and/or arranged in a way to permit being covered         from sight after assembly of the infill system.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.” 

What is claimed is:
 1. A rail infill system, comprising: an elongate baluster; a fitting having a threaded end, the fitting configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a support member with at least one fastener; a baluster attachment mounted to an exterior surface of the baluster; a fitting closer configured to threadably engage the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed there between to provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting, the baluster extending through the fitting closer.
 2. The rail infill system of claim 1, wherein the baluster attachment includes a compression collar or a crimp ring.
 3. The rail infill system of claim 1, further comprising a protection member providing an interface between the fitting and the support member.
 4. The rail infill system of claim 3, wherein the protection member comprises a polymer material.
 5. The rail infill system of claim 1, wherein the elongate baluster is a hollow tube or solid rod.
 6. The rail infill system of claim 2, wherein the crimp ring is fixed to the baluster independent of connection of the fitting closer to the fitting.
 7. The rail infill system of claim 2, wherein the compression collar is fixed to the baluster upon tightening the fitting closer relative to the fitting.
 8. The rail infill system of claim 2, wherein the compression collar is split along its length.
 9. The rail infill system of claim 2, wherein the compression collar has a tapered portion.
 10. The rail infill system of claim 9, wherein the fitting closer has an internal tapered surface that is arranged at a reverse taper relative to the tapered portion of the compression collar.
 11. The rail infill system of claim 1, wherein the fitting has an angled construction to orient the baluster at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the exterior surface of the support member.
 12. The rail infill system of claim 1, wherein the baluster has a circular cross-sectional shape.
 13. The rail infill system of claim 1, wherein the baluster attachment is mechanically connected at or adjacent to a free end of the baluster.
 14. A rail infill system, comprising: a fitting having a threaded end and a mounting end, the mounting end configured to be secured to an exterior surface of a support member with at least one fastener; a baluster attachment configured to be mounted to an exterior surface of a baluster; a fitting closer configured to threadably engage the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed there between; wherein a connection of the fitting closer to the fitting is configured to secure the baluster to the fitting.
 15. The rail infill system of claim 14, wherein the fitting closer includes a pass-through bore, and the baluster is configured to extend through the pass-through bore.
 16. The rail infill system of claim 14, further comprising a protection member positioned at the mounting end of the fitting to provide an interface between the fitting and the support member.
 17. The rail infill system of claim 14, wherein the threaded end is arranged at an angle relative to the mounting end.
 18. The rail infill system of claim 14, wherein the threaded end is arranged coaxially with the mounting end.
 19. A method of connecting a baluster to a support structure, the method comprising: providing a fitting, a baluster attachment, and a fitting closer, the fitting having a threaded end; connecting the fitting to an exterior surface of the support structure with at least one fastener; positioning the baluster attachment on an exterior surface of the baluster; threadably connecting the fitting closer to the threaded end of the fitting with the baluster attachment interposed between the fitting closer and the fitting to provide attachment of the baluster to the fitting.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein positioning the baluster attachment on the baluster includes crimping the baluster attachment to the baluster.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the baluster attachment is a compression collar, and threadably connecting the fitting closer to the fitting compresses the compression collar onto the baluster.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the baluster attachment is a crimp ring that is fixed to the baluster, and connecting the fitting closer to the fitting applies an axial force to the baluster. 